When picking out a new Kindle or one to give as a gift, there is another option to buying the latest generation Kindle 3G or Kindle Wi-Fi: you can also pick up a refurbished Kindle 2nd Generation that has the same 3G chip (although no wi-fi) as the latest Kindles. These come and go (and prices can fluctuate) in availability, but right now Amazon has them available for $139.99, which is the same price as the wi-fi only edition.Why buy the older technology, which admittedly has a screen with lesser contrast? Because not everyone has wi-fi available and the 3G can be easier to use, especially for the less technically oriented amongst us (after all, 3G is on or off, there aren't any passwords or settings to worry about). As to the screen contrast - it's a big improvement over the original Kindle, but I find that all of the generations are more than sufficient for reading. Pictures are better, of course, and you get PDF handling in the Kindle 2nd Generation and if it is updated to the latest firmware, it handles all of the games that are out on Kindle. Eventually, I'm sure, it will be considered quite outdated (at least, for non-reading uses of the Kindle), but for now it's a fine ereader.
Like all the Kindles with a cellular chip, from the original to the latest generation Kindle 3G, access to the Kindle store and wikipedia is free of any monthly or data usage charges. Since the original Kindle was introduced, there has also been an "experimental" web browser built in and it can be used to surf practically the entire internet (although you don't get movies and can't download some file types) and, despite persistent, ill-informed posts to the contrary on the Amazon forums, this remains free of charge - no monthly plan, no usage fees or overage fees - in the US (and has been reported for some other countries, although the Amazon product page hasn't said that is permitted in all regions where Kindle is sold).
If fact, you could buy this Kindle and use it ONLY for checking your email when you are not at home and it would have paid for itself in under three months, just in savings versus a cell phone or aircard data subscription.
Currently, there are only two models with refurbished units available. Both are 2nd generation, global versions and have AT&T wireless coverage, with the same 30 day guarantee you get with the new Kindle units. The only question is, whether they have the same extended holiday return period (until the end of January), that other new items at Amazon are enjoying thru the end of the year.
- Kindle (6" Display, Global Wireless) ($139.99)
- Kindle DX (9.7" Display, Global Wireless) ($269.99)
You will notice, though, that the charging adapter does not ship with these refurbished units, at least according to the descriptions. You might get one anyway (I did), but if not, there are some good alternatives that are quite inexpensive. You can still charge via your computer (if it has powered USB ports, which some notebooks and netbooks do not, especially when operating on battery power, themselves) or with any wall unit USB charger that has a micro-USB end or accepts a standard USB cable (after all, that's all their power adapter is). In fact, even if you have the power adapter that came with your Kindle, I'd urge you to consider upgrading to something like the Belkin Mini Surge Protector Dual USB Charger ($10.88). Not only does it give you more power sockets than you started with, it adds surge protection for all three and the two USB charging slots it contains (which means you can charge your phone and Kindle from the same charger, which is what I do, rather than having two plugged in, sucking up extra power when not in use). This particular unit even has free standard shipping, so you don't have to have Prime or meet the $25 minimum purchase to get it. This is an especially good design to carry with you when traveling, as so few hotel rooms have enough power outlets to let you set up your laptop and chargers (or get to them easily).Description
- 360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking position
- Provides complete surge protection through all outlets
- Offers compact, lightweight, efficient design
- Features mini-USB cable to charge virtually any USB device including BlackBerry® and Motorola® RAZR phones
- Comes with Lifetime Product and $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranties
Although the Amazon branded Kindle Replacement Power Adapter is $19.99, there are a number of alternatives available, such as this Amazon Kindle 2 (2nd Generation) USB Car Charger, USB Wall/Travel Charger, Earphones, and Screen Protector/Guard kit for $3.40 (and free shipping). Even better, if you buy two or more items from CrazyOnDigital, you get 10% off the order.Description
- Protect your screen with the Full Screen Cover Screen Guard / Protector
- Comes with Headphones that will allows you to listen to your books without disturbing others with the speaker function
- Charge your Amazon Kindle 2 w/ the USB Wall Charger take a spare wall charge when you're on vacation
- Charge your Amazon Kindle 2 with the USB Car Charger when you're on the road simply plug in the car charger to your car
- Chargers requires USB cable that comes with your Kindle 2
For those who live or travel outside the US, only one other item is a must have: some type of power plug adapter, such as the All-in-One Travel Power Plug Adapter for US, UK, EU, AU ($3.50). This one contains all the adapters you'll need in one item, so no more baggie of adapter parts to keep track of (or lose, which is more likely). Note that this one is not a voltage converter, but if your items are multi-voltage, you are all set.Description
- Compatible with worldwide standard; converts two-prong, US-style power plugs to fit a variety of other outlet styles.
- Suitable for over 150 countries
- Surge protection and safety shutter
- Power indicator light
- You can transform the adapter into 4 configurations for different standard: European, United Kingdom, United States, Australia
